A matatu driver plying the Nairobi-Meru route has warmed the hearts of Kenyans after refunding students their fare on Monday, April 29 morning.
The driver working under the Meru Deluxe Shuttle Sacco was seen disbursing cash to students before directing them on where to get a different bus back home following the postponement of school reopening day by a week.
The students had just arrived in Nairobi to report to school oblivious of the early morning statement issued by Education Cabinet Secretary (CS) Ezekiel Machogu.
CS had issued a statement postponing the reopening of schools to May 6, 2024, following the uncertainty caused by the ongoing floods in the country.
“Reports received at the Ministry of Education, corroborated with data from other relevant Government agencies, show that a number of schools in various regions of the country have been adversely affected by the rains,” read part of the statement.
Netizens applauded the driver’s actions calling him a beautiful soul with some noting that the government should also refund any expenses he also incurred.
Also Read: Machogu Postpones Reopening of Schools, Announces New Date
Netizens React After Matatu Driver Refunds Fare
X user identified as Anwar Sadat said, “Beautiful soul he is. Hopefully the government will refund him any expenses he has incurred,”
“He’s so human. Big ups to him,” stated Nkirote Murungi.
Some took the chance to make fun implying that the driver deserves a special place in heaven for his good deed.
“Watu wa Mitinguu mnakuanga na special place in heaven, with recliner leather seats, big jar of freshly squeezed fruit juice, a big HD screen and a collection of all good memories y’all ever had,” noted Nel.
Others noted that with this single act he had done more than the government following the confusion created.
“People of good will out here doing a much better job than the government,” another user added.
Nyamori rained blessing upon the driver saying ” This is how a counry should be. May God protect him at all times while at his hustleand may he never lack.”
Kenyans Bash CS Machogu
However, some Kenyans on X took the chance to call out Education CS Ezekiel Machogu over his late announcement that has since led to confusion as some students were already prepared for school.
“Good morning Machogu ezekiel. You had the opportunity to make that announcement two days ago. When it was clear that students would not be safe with the rains. But you decided to make that announcement at 1 am,” said Lindah Ogutu.
Olucoh Ochieng noted that, “All these financial inconveniences would have been avoided had CS for Education listened to the public early enough, but self-ego and arrogance directs our leaders more than practicality.”
Others felt some parents were irresponsible for allowing their children to report to school despite the glaring danger of the ongoing floods.
“Let parents also be responsible. Why sendoff students to school by themselves knowing that roads are affected by flooding?” Remarked Kenny K
X user mtaani man felt the Machogu’s hands were tied as he was waiting for orders from the Office of the President.
“Machogu was waiting for orders from above. Those orders came late. Let’s not crucify the wrong guy,” said X user, mtaani man.
School Reopening
Schools were set to open on Monday, April 29, but that has since been postponed to Monday, May 6, due to flooding as a result of the heavy rains experienced in the country.
Nairobi Governor, Johnson Sakaja expressed his regret that the directive had been made at a time when students had already boarded buses to various schools.
He also offered to pay fare for the affected students and offer them snacks.
Sakaja further clarified the process for fare refunds, indicating that students would receive their fares back randomly, irrespective of the county they originated from, and would be returned to their respective home destinations.
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